A. Access the river directly from the car park and picnic area and start to make your way downstream. Wales is on the left bank and England on the right.

B. After a mile and a half is the village of Almere, astride both banks, on a very tight double bend in the river where the river almost comes back on itself, making you think that an oxbow lake is in the making. A small ferry used to operate across the river here.

C. The River Alun joins from the left at the beginning of the bend. Another few miles down, Pulford Brook also joins from the left, the brook looking much canalised. After 6 miles, you are entering the Duke of Westminster’s estate: Eaton Hall. Here England is on both banks.

D. Aldford village is on the left, some way back from the river (built to be above flood level). Iron Bridge follows, a private estate bridge, with Eaton Hall itself on the left bank.

E. After Crook of Dee, a long bend round to the right, then left, Eccleston Ferry is obvious on the map, each side of the river having a straight road down to it.

F. Ferry Farm is on the right bank, (no access), and the pretty Eccleston village on the left side. This side could be a pick-up point, with a public road.

G. The next object of interest is the fairly recent Chester by-pass bridge, the A55, high above you. As Chester obviously appears, the first sign of civilization is the Red House pub on the right bank, with a jetty, and a welcome for waterborne travellers.

H. The river bends to the left into the centre of town, with many fine houses on the right bank, and Queen’s Park on the left; a pleasant water meadow.

I. Earl’s Ferry is a passenger ferry just before the long left-hand bend, and you will then see a metal pedestrian bridge in front of you. On the right bank is Chester Motor Boat Club, followed by a sailing club and a rowing club.

J. Sandy Lane car park is on the right, marked by a small wooden jetty and a slipway, the easiest egress. Downstream of here is Chester Weir, often used by kayakers, and also possible to shoot in an open canoe. Fish steps are on the left-hand side of the weir. This is the tidal limit of the river.